20 Questions with Prue Spurrett

20 QUESTIONS 20 Questions with

Prue Spurrett

Prue Spurrett is a respected National dressage judge, and now retired FEI 3* and 4* eventing judge. Her quiet competence has earned her a reputation as a valuable member of ground juries in Australia and internationally.

Q: Do you come from a horsey background? A: Sort of! My first pony was a Shetland

with attitude.

Q: When did you take an interest in horses and when did you learn to ride? A: At about four when I was given Prinny.

Not sure I learnt to ride on her as such – Q: Which discipline appealed to you? A: Several decades ago I joined Northside Riding Club at St Ives Showground in Sydney. That was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved in our sport. Northside was a multi discipline club, so we had a go at everything. We did the rounds of all the show dressage events, even Sydney Royal Dressage at the old Showgrounds – so cool! The friendships I made from those first days are still there today; that’s probably the best thing of all.

Q: Explain your role as an Equestrian Australia National Dressage Selector. A: I’m the Reserve Selector, a new position created in case a situation arises in which there’s a real or perceived conflict of interest for any Selection Team member. Confidence in the process is a must for our members.

Q: You’ve been a volunteer as well as an official for many years. How did it all begin? A: Back at Northside – from lugging around jumping poles and wings to measuring out arenas and sitting on the committee.

Q: In what other areas have you been involved as a volunteer? A: I became a zoo guide at Taronga Park. That was special, handing around Monty, the beautiful diamond python, in the show and tell sessions. Then I joined Lifeline as a shop volunteer and now Sallies in Forster.

Q: There seems to be a push to actively recruit dressage competitors to help out. Is this due to riders not

putting up their hands to volunteer? A: It is tough – time’s the enemy. I know what it’s like floating your horse to a comp, you’re tied up as much as your horse. Even so, please try to help out. Just ask, even if it’s taking water around to the judges in the cars – that will be someone the organising committee doesn’t have to find.

Q: Do you recall the first time you officially judged a test? How did you feel? A: Daunted – but no matter if it’s the first Prep to that first International at Hartpury! Andrew Nicholson was circling the arena and all I could think of was: ‘If they could see me now, that little gang of mine’ from Sweet Charity! The quality of judges’ training here is universal. It will take you anywhere – and that builds confidence in using the whole range of marks – the scariest part is probably when you see your first 10 and instinctively know to give it!

Q: Have you ever been confronted by an irate rider displeased with your marks? A: No. Riders will always query if there’s a difference in judging marks, they have the right to do so – we’re not infallible.

Q: When and why did you switch to judging eventing dressage? A: I was asked and soon came to appreciate the training of eventers – the mental agility and physical fitness to switch tack through three disciplines and the partnership with the rider. When it pays off we end up with those Olympic medals, and a partnership like Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos.

Q: Some say eventing dressage is judged differently, perhaps more leniently, because the horses are conditioned to cope in a demanding sport and can be somewhat exuberant on the first day. Is that so? A: No way! The Training Scale rules whatever the sport – rhythm, suppleness and contact. Impulsion, straightness and collection will get you around the 20 x 60, across six kilometres cross country, and over any size triple bar.

Q: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you when officiating? A: A car pulling up alongside me at C because they wanted to be ‘close to the action’. That was a classic.

Q: What’s your favourite horseoriented novel? A: Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley.

Q: Do you have a favourite horse movie? A: Several but can't go past National Velvet by a short half head from Ride Like a Girl.

Q: You’ve judged at many international events – are there

differences in the attitude towards

equestrian sport from the general public in these various countries? A: The crowds! The Festival of

British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire gets 30,000 - and about the same number of dogs! Similarly with Tattersalls International, Dublin, and the atmosphere is wonderful (the Pimms helps!).

Q: What changes, if any, would you like to see made in Australian dressage? A: Just keep to the Training Scale, see more arena craft in action, and more PBs achieved across the board. There

aren’t any short cuts – they just lead to short careers.

Q: What changes, if any, would you like to see made in Australia eventing? A: I’m now retired from international

judging but, going by Tokyo, when you are on to a good thing, stick to it.

Q: You now live in Forster on the mid-north coast of NSW – are you involved with horses there? A: Absolutely! Manning Valley Dressage & Hacking Club and Alexander Park draw on riders from the Hunter, New England and North Coast. There is always a great roll up at their events.

Q: Is there anything horse-related you would like to try but haven’t yet? A: Carriage driving.

Q: Is there one aspect of equestrian sport about which you are not particularly fond? A: Early morning starts.

FACING PAGE: Prue (L) with the Ground Jury at the 2016 Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park. LEFT: On the Appeal Committee at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

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